In most forms of Yoga there are three components to the practice; breathing, concentration and physical poses also known as asanas. The two poses below are the most common asanas used in Western Yoga practice today.
Padma-Asana: Probably the most famous and well-known pose; the Padma-asana is referred to as the Lotus Position. The root of the words to this pose mean to "bend", and "snake". Think of it as the maneuvering of the body into a position that requires the flexibility and smoothness of a snake.
To practice this pose, sit down and place the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh. The soles of the feet should be facing towards the sky. Next, the palms of the hands are also turned toward the sky and placed on the corresponding thigh. It is a difficult pose to retain for long periods of time if the body is not properly conditioned. It is therefore paramount to begin with short periods and work into a longer time frame.
Sirsha-Asana: The Headstand Pose. The benefits of the notorious head stand pose are to increase the physical and mental health of the person practicing it. The pose encourages balance and stability on the physical level and mental acuity on the intellectual level. Additionally, it improves blood flow throughout the body and helps to decrease tension and stress in the lower limbs.
To practice this pose, begin in a kneeling position. Lean forward to place the arms, from hands to elbows, flat on the floor, and interlock the fingers of both hands. The head should be placed between the hands, flat on the floor. Push up from the kneeling position on the tips of the toes keeping head on the floor. Slowly bring the legs into an extended, upright hand stand position, keeping the entire body aligned, straight and balanced. Special breathing techniques are also employed during this pose which enhances the overall effect of the asana.
Rachel Dayer runs and operates http://www.mustask.com, a health related portal.
Everyone has heard of the mythical "Fountain of Youth", but... Read More
It was not so long ago that eating disorders, such... Read More
Please bear in mind that I am not a dietician,... Read More
Yoga Your Way To A Happy VacationThere have been many... Read More
There are many types of yoga, some with more emphasis... Read More
Cultivating positive energy: Most of us who study Yoga have... Read More
Are you one of those folks who have never tried... Read More
As described in my earlier article... thoughts in the mind... Read More
A healthy anal and genital area is of great importance... Read More
Pilates can benefit your overall health and sense of well-being... Read More
The great sage Patanjali in his work Yogasutra codified all... Read More
I suppose it was only a matter of time before... Read More
Experienced Yoga practitioners often feel discouraged when a naturally gifted... Read More
Here are some guidelines and realistic expectations for parents, who... Read More
Yoga is the most prestigious field of spiritualism. People think... Read More
At one time, or another, all of us have experienced... Read More
Most women experience PMS symptoms at different points of their... Read More
Every woman wants to have a healthy baby. Yogic practices,... Read More
The Sanskrit word 'Yoga' has two meaning, because it is... Read More
Stress is very common in all walks of life and... Read More
In most forms of Yoga there are three components to... Read More
Yoga is an ancient proven tradition that exists for thousands... Read More
Stress levels around the world are on the rise. In... Read More
The following is an excerpt from the book "Om Yoga:... Read More
I absolutely love using yoga DVDs and yoga videos during... Read More
Yoga for a beginner is an exciting time when you... Read More
Discover the true meaning of yoga?In taking any modern yoga... Read More
At this point, let's break down the major components of... Read More
Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in... Read More
I often wondered what the value of each type of... Read More
What you are about to read applies to teaching, in... Read More
Being a practicing Christian myself, there are very few things... Read More
Patanjali in his Yogasutra describes that people are afflicted with... Read More
The benefit of yoga practice goes far beyond the actual... Read More
Initially, enlightenment is living in the present moment and accepting... Read More
There are many types of yoga, some with more emphasis... Read More
Every process of Yoga... neigh Meditation that frees us from... Read More
Yoga is becoming a more and more popular activity in... Read More
Cultivating positive energy: Most of us who study Yoga have... Read More
EXERCISES FOR BACK RELIEFMany people believe that rest is best... Read More
The next large component of self-mastery is mental health, and... Read More
Yoga for a beginner is an exciting time when you... Read More
I am often asked by beginners about how to evaluate... Read More
In order to understand the basics of Pilates and why... Read More
Many adults have taken up yoga, but yoga has not... Read More
Every woman wants to have a healthy baby. Yogic practices,... Read More
Some people may wonder if using a yoga prop can... Read More
I suppose it was only a matter of time before... Read More
After five thousand years of written documentation, Yoga may well... Read More
A healthy anal and genital area is of great importance... Read More
Yoga is an ancient system of movement designed to generate... Read More
What you are about to read applies to teaching, in... Read More
Discover the true meaning of yoga?In taking any modern yoga... Read More
Even though the world population has shifted from mainly rural... Read More
Yoga Your Way To A Happy VacationThere have been many... Read More
One more study tells the world, that Yoga can help... Read More
There is an interesting article in the September 5th issue... Read More
The great sage Patanjali in his work Yogasutra codified all... Read More
Yoga is the most prestigious field of spiritualism. People think... Read More
We all want to feel loved, open, free and peaceful.... Read More
Stress levels around the world are on the rise. In... Read More
Time is valuable and there are a number of successful... Read More
Yoga has become part of Western fitness training techniques. However,... Read More
Spending eight or more hours a day in an office... Read More
At one time, or another, all of us have experienced... Read More
At this point, let's break down the major components of... Read More
Yoga |